Defending Cavs’ Irving a point of emphasis for Rockets

When the Cavaliers roll into Toyota Center on Saturday night, they bring a challenge.

That would be All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving.

“He’s good,” Rockets guard Pat Beverley said. “He is one of the premier guards in this league. It will be tough.”

The Cavaliers, less than a year after having the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, again find themselves headed for the lottery at 16-30.

But Irving, 6-3, has been a bright spot for an otherwise under-whelming Cleveland team. The third-year standout from Duke is averaging 21.6 points per game (second among point guards) and 6.1 assists. A smooth ball-handler who gets his teammates involved, Irving creates a problem for defenders.

“They facilitate a lot of their offense through him,” Rockets guard Jeremy Lin said. “It is going to be one of those games where he is attacking the whole game and you are going to have to do your best to make that hard. He is going to score points – that’s just what he is going to do. You just have to make him work for it.”

The Rockets have faced a handful of elite point guards this season and come away with their fair share of wins. And while they’re 2-0 against Golden State, 2-1 versus Portland and 3-0 against San Antonio, they’ve done anything but gotten to the point, so to speak.

Plenty of recent history

Golden State’s Steph Curry, for example, has averaged 21 points and seven assists in a pair of losses to the Rockets.

Damian Lillard of the Trail Blazers? All he’s done is average 18 points and 5.3 assists in three games against the Rockets, although he scored just eight points in Portland’s lone win in the season series.

And as for San Antonio’s Tony Parker, the six-time All-Star has averaged 16.7 points and 5.3 assists.

Against arguably the league’s best point guard, the Clippers’ Chris Paul, the Rockets have struggled, letting the seven-time All-Star torch them to the tune of 37 points and 30 assists in a pair of Los Angeles wins.

While Irving isn’t quite to the level of the aforementioned quartet, he’ll still likely pose plenty of problems for what could be a short-handed Rockets team.

James Harden (thumb) is a game-time decision for Saturday. Without him in the last two games, Lin and Beverley have both started in the backcourt. If that is the case again, the two point guards will likely take turns guarding Irving.

Because of Beverley’s knack for defense, he will likely log more minutes on Irving.

“I love playing against any great point guard,” Beverley said. “He does a lot of things well and no one guy can stop him. We are all going to have do our parts.”

Challenge all around

Coach Kevin McHale said that because of Irving’s style of play – namely his ability to score from the perimeter or drive inside – he will be a handful for the entire team.

“He is tough with the ball,” McHale said. “All those guards that thrust and re-thrust give us problems. He can put our guards in bad spots, so that means all our bigs are going to have Irving playing downhill on them.

“We will try to keep Pat on him as much as we can. Everybody will get a shot at him.”

Despite riding a two-game winning streak, the Rockets know all too well that even teams like Cleveland can rise up for a win on any given night. And if not, they need look no further than their losses to the Jazz, Kings, 76ers and Lakers. In this case, with a player like Irving, the notion that anything is possible is especially pertinent – and dangerous.

Stopping him is key, Harden said.

“If you can stop another team’s All-Star, you have a better chance to win,” Harden said. “He is a great player. It will be a challenge.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>May 2: Trail Blazers 99, Rockets 98</b>
The Rockets' season came to a crushing end as Damian Lillard hit one of the biggest buzzer-beaters in playoff history.
<b>Series record:</b> Portland wins 4-2 less

<b><center>May 2: Trail Blazers 99, Rockets 98</b>
The Rockets' season came to a crushing end as Damian Lillard hit one of the biggest buzzer-beaters in playoff history.
<b>Series record:</b> Portland ... more

<b><center>April 27: Blazers 123, Rockets 120 (OT)</b>
As is to be expected is such a tightly contested series, tempers ran high at times during Game 4, which Portland took in overtime.
<b>Series record:</b> Portland leads 3-1 less

<b><center>April 27: Blazers 123, Rockets 120 (OT)</b>
As is to be expected is such a tightly contested series, tempers ran high at times during Game 4, which Portland took in overtime.
<b>Series ... more

<b><center>April 23: Blazers 112, Rockets 105</b>
Houston missed out on a golden opportunity to take advantage of home-court advantage by losing the first two games of the series at Toyota Center.
<b>Series record:</b> Portland leads 2-0 less

<b><center>April 23: Blazers 112, Rockets 105</b>
Houston missed out on a golden opportunity to take advantage of home-court advantage by losing the first two games of the series at Toyota ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

Image 6 of 89

<b><center>April 20: Blazers 122, Rockets 120 (OT)</b>
LaMarcus Aldridge was an unstoppable force and the Rockets couldn't hold on to a late 4th-quarter lead as the Blazers stole Game 1 from the Rockets at Toyota Center.
<b>Series record:</b> Portland leads 1-0 less

<b><center>April 20: Blazers 122, Rockets 120 (OT)</b>
LaMarcus Aldridge was an unstoppable force and the Rockets couldn't hold on to a late 4th-quarter lead as the Blazers stole Game 1 from the Rockets at ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>April 16: Pelicans 105, Rockets 100</b>
While resting most of their starters, the Rockets dropped the season finale in New Orleans.
<b>Record:</b> 54-28

<b><center>April 16: Pelicans 105, Rockets 100</b>
While resting most of their starters, the Rockets dropped the season finale in New Orleans.
<b>Record:</b> 54-28

Photo: Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

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<b><center>April 14: Rockets 104, Spurs 98</b>
The Rockets completed the season sweep of the Spurs while also clinching first-round home-court advantage in the playoffs.
<b>Record:</b> 54-27 less

<b><center>April 14: Rockets 104, Spurs 98</b>
The Rockets completed the season sweep of the Spurs while also clinching first-round home-court advantage in the playoffs.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>April 12: Rockets 111, Pelicans 104</b>
Patrick Beverley and Dwight Howard returned to the lineup and the Rockets made a fourth-quarter comeback to knock off the Pelicans for the 3rd time this season.
<b>Record:</b> 53-27 less

<b><center>April 12: Rockets 111, Pelicans 104</b>
Patrick Beverley and Dwight Howard returned to the lineup and the Rockets made a fourth-quarter comeback to knock off the Pelicans for the 3rd time this ... more

<b><center>April 4: Rockets 111, Thunder 107</b>
The Rockets earned their 50th win of the season in style by knocking off the Thunder for the first time this season and also clinching a playoff berth.
<b>Record:</b> 50-25 less

<b><center>April 4: Rockets 111, Thunder 107</b>
The Rockets earned their 50th win of the season in style by knocking off the Thunder for the first time this season and also clinching a playoff ... more

<b><center>March 29: Clippers 118, Rockets 107</b>
The Clippers completed the four-game season sweep of the Rockets with the win at Toyota Center.
<b>Record:</b> 49-23

<b><center>March 29: Clippers 118, Rockets 107</b>
The Clippers completed the four-game season sweep of the Rockets with the win at Toyota Center.
<b>Record:</b> 49-23

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>March 27: Rockets 120, 76ers 98</b>
James Harden's second career triple double (in three quarters) secured a Rockets win and also handed the 76ers a NBA record-tying 26th straight loss. With the win, the Rockets also finish the season with an undefeated record against the Eastern Conference at Toyota Center.
<b>Record:</b> 49-22 less

<b><center>March 27: Rockets 120, 76ers 98</b>
James Harden's second career triple double (in three quarters) secured a Rockets win and also handed the 76ers a NBA record-tying 26th straight loss. With the ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>March 24: Rockets 100, Bobcats 89</b>
Houston turned a close game into a relatively easy victory in the closing minutes against Charlotte.
<b>Record:</b> 48-22

<b><center>March 24: Rockets 100, Bobcats 89</b>
Houston turned a close game into a relatively easy victory in the closing minutes against Charlotte.
<b>Record:</b> 48-22

<b><center>March 20: Rockets 129, Timberwolves 106</b>
Houston wins its second consecutive game without Dwight Howard, and forward Donatas Motiejunas finishes with a career high of 20 points versus Minnesota.
<b>Record:</b> 46-22 less

<b><center>March 20: Rockets 129, Timberwolves 106</b>
Houston wins its second consecutive game without Dwight Howard, and forward Donatas Motiejunas finishes with a career high of 20 points versus ... more

<b><center>March 13: Bulls 111, Rockets 87</b>
James Harden was held to 8 points on 2-of-7 shooting in the ugly loss to the Bulls, the Rockets 2nd loss in a row.
<b>Record:</b> 44-21 less

<b><center>March 13: Bulls 111, Rockets 87</b>
James Harden was held to 8 points on 2-of-7 shooting in the ugly loss to the Bulls, the Rockets 2nd loss in a row.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Nam Y. Huh / Associated Press

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<b><center>March 11: Thunder 106, Rockets 98</b>
Emotions ran high as Oklahoma City came away with its third win against Houston this season.
<b>Record:</b> 44-20

<b><center>March 11: Thunder 106, Rockets 98</b>
Emotions ran high as Oklahoma City came away with its third win against Houston this season.
<b>Record:</b> 44-20

Photo: Sue Ogrocki / Associated Press

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<b><center>March 9: Rockets 118, Trail Blazers 113 (OT)</b>
After trailing for most of the game, the Rockets went on a big run late in the fourth quarter to force overtime, and eventually pull off the improbable win against the Trail Blazers.
<b>Record:</b> 44-19 less

<b><center>March 9: Rockets 118, Trail Blazers 113 (OT)</b>
After trailing for most of the game, the Rockets went on a big run late in the fourth quarter to force overtime, and eventually pull off the ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>March 7: Rockets 112, Pacers 86</b>
Houston came out with a point to prove and took care of the Indiana Pacers in front of a sell-out crowd at Toyota Center. The Rockets are undefeated against the Eastern Conference at home with the win, and only have the 76ers left to go on the regular-season schedule.
<b>Record:</b> 43-19 less

<b><center>March 7: Rockets 112, Pacers 86</b>
Houston came out with a point to prove and took care of the Indiana Pacers in front of a sell-out crowd at Toyota Center. The Rockets are undefeated against ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>March 5: Rockets 101, Magic 89</b>
Dwight Howard visited his old team and the Rockets overcame a slow start to secure the win over the lowly Magic to cap off a nice 2-0 back-to-back series against Florida teams Miami and Orlando.
<b>Record:</b> 42-19 less

<b><center>March 5: Rockets 101, Magic 89</b>
Dwight Howard visited his old team and the Rockets overcame a slow start to secure the win over the lowly Magic to cap off a nice 2-0 back-to-back series ... more

Photo: Joshua C. Cruey / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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<b><center>March 4: Rockets 106, Heat 103</b>
Houston limits LeBron James to 22 points en route to earning one of the most crucial wins of the season.
<b>Record:</b> 41-19

<b><center>March 4: Rockets 106, Heat 103</b>
Houston limits LeBron James to 22 points en route to earning one of the most crucial wins of the season.
<b>Record:</b> 41-19

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>March 1: Rockets 118, Pistons 110</b>
Houston got its 40th win of the season by dominating the first half against Detroit and then holding the Pistons off as they tried to make a late-game comeback.
<b>Record:</b> 40-19 less

<b><center>March 1: Rockets 118, Pistons 110</b>
Houston got its 40th win of the season by dominating the first half against Detroit and then holding the Pistons off as they tried to make a late-game ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Feb. 27: Clippers 101, Rockets 93</b>
Houston lost to Los Angeles for the third time this season. The Rockets struggled to find any rhythm on the offensive end of the court.
<b>Record:</b> 39-19 less

<b><center>Feb. 27: Clippers 101, Rockets 93</b>
Houston lost to Los Angeles for the third time this season. The Rockets struggled to find any rhythm on the offensive end of the court.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

<b><center>Feb. 23: Rockets 115, Suns 112</b>
It took every bit of the 48-minute game, but the Rockets prevailed in Phoenix and bounced back from Thursday's loss in Golden State.
<b>Record:</b> 38-18 less

<b><center>Feb. 23: Rockets 115, Suns 112</b>
It took every bit of the 48-minute game, but the Rockets prevailed in Phoenix and bounced back from Thursday's loss in Golden State.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

<b><center>Feb. 19: Rockets 134, Lakers 108</b>
Dwight Howard had his way with the short-handed Lakers in his return to Los Angeles.
<b>Record:</b> 37-17

<b><center>Feb. 19: Rockets 134, Lakers 108</b>
Dwight Howard had his way with the short-handed Lakers in his return to Los Angeles.
<b>Record:</b> 37-17

Photo: Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press

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<b><center>Feb. 12: Rockets 113, Wizards 112</b>
James Harden's game-winning layup sent the Rockets past the Wizards in Houston's final game before the All-Star break.
<b>Record:</b> 36-17 less

<b><center>Feb. 12: Rockets 113, Wizards 112</b>
James Harden's game-winning layup sent the Rockets past the Wizards in Houston's final game before the All-Star break.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith / For the Chronicle

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<b><center>Feb. 10: Rockets 107, Timberwolves 89</b>
Minnesota All-Star forward Kevin Love scored 31 points against Houston, but the Rockets shut him down in the second half and won comfortably.
<b>Record:</b> 35-17 less

<b><center>Feb. 10: Rockets 107, Timberwolves 89</b>
Minnesota All-Star forward Kevin Love scored 31 points against Houston, but the Rockets shut him down in the second half and won ... more

<b><center>Feb. 5: Rockets 122, Suns 108</b>
Dwight Howard's big night (34 points and 14 rebounds) helped the Rockets get revenge on the Suns - who beat them at Toyota Center earlier in the ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Feb. 1: Rockets 106, Cavaliers 92</b>
Jeremy Lin's first career triple-double led the Rockets to the win over the Cavaliers.
<b>Record:</b> 32-17

<b><center>Feb. 1: Rockets 106, Cavaliers 92</b>
Jeremy Lin's first career triple-double led the Rockets to the win over the Cavaliers.
<b>Record:</b> 32-17

Photo: Mayra Beltran / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Jan. 29: Rockets 117, Mavericks 115</b>
Houston completed back-to-back wins over the Mavs and Spurs for the first time since 1989 after back-to-back losses against the Grizzlies.
<b>Record:</b> 31-17 less

<b><center>Jan. 29: Rockets 117, Mavericks 115</b>
Houston completed back-to-back wins over the Mavs and Spurs for the first time since 1989 after back-to-back losses against the ... more

Photo: LM Otero / Associated Press

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<b><center>Jan. 28: Rockets 97, Spurs 90</b>
Houston recovered from its two-game losing skid by defeating San Antonio for the third time this season.
<b>Record:</b> 30-17

<b><center>Jan. 28: Rockets 97, Spurs 90</b>
Houston recovered from its two-game losing skid by defeating San Antonio for the third time this season.
<b>Record:</b> 30-17

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Jan. 25: Grizzlies 99, Rockets 81</b>
Houston fell to Memphis for the second consecutive night in a game that was decided midway through the third quarter.
<b>Record:</b> 29-17 less

<b><center>Jan. 25: Grizzlies 99, Rockets 81</b>
Houston fell to Memphis for the second consecutive night in a game that was decided midway through the third quarter.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Lance Murphey / Associated Press

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<b><center>Jan. 24: Grizzlies 88, Rockets 87</b>
Chandler Parsons set an NBA record with 10 second-half three-pointers and James Harden set a career high with 13 assists, but the Rockets couldn't get it done in the loss to the Grizzlies.
<b>Record:</b> 29-16 less

<b><center>Jan. 24: Grizzlies 88, Rockets 87</b>
Chandler Parsons set an NBA record with 10 second-half three-pointers and James Harden set a career high with 13 assists, but the Rockets couldn't get it ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Jan. 22: Rockets 119, Kings 98</b>
Three Rockets recorded three double-doubles, and James Harden was one shy of being the fourth as the Rockets cruised past the Kings at Toyota Center.
<b>Record:</b> 29-15 less

<b><center>Jan. 22: Rockets 119, Kings 98</b>
Three Rockets recorded three double-doubles, and James Harden was one shy of being the fourth as the Rockets cruised past the Kings at Toyota ... more

<b><center>Jan. 18: Rockets 114, Bucks 104</b>
Terrence Jones' career night paved the way as the Rockets bounced back after an ugly second-half collapse against the Thunder in the previous game.
<b>Record:</b> 27-15 less

<b><center>Jan. 18: Rockets 114, Bucks 104</b>
Terrence Jones' career night paved the way as the Rockets bounced back after an ugly second-half collapse against the Thunder in the previous ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Jan. 16: Thunder 104, Rockets 92</b>
Houston's 73 first-half points were the highest total in a half this year for the Rockets - the problem was they came out and only scored a season-low 19 second-half points and let Oklahoma City leave town with a win.
<b>Record:</b> 26-15 less

<b><center>Jan. 16: Thunder 104, Rockets 92</b>
Houston's 73 first-half points were the highest total in a half this year for the Rockets - the problem was they came out and only scored a season-low 19 ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Jan. 15: Rockets 103, Pelicans 100</b>
A slow start didn't deter the Rockets from rallying past the Pelicans in the fourth quarter to end the 4-game road trip with a 3-1 record and a 3-game winning streak.
<b>Record:</b> 26-14 less

<b><center>Jan. 15: Rockets 103, Pelicans 100</b>
A slow start didn't deter the Rockets from rallying past the Pelicans in the fourth quarter to end the 4-game road trip with a 3-1 record and a 3-game ... more

Photo: Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

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<b><center>Jan. 13: Rockets 104, Celtics 92</b>
A solid performance in the second half gives Houston a season sweep against Boston.
<b>Record:</b> 25-14

<b><center>Jan. 13: Rockets 104, Celtics 92</b>
A solid performance in the second half gives Houston a season sweep against Boston.
<b>Record:</b> 25-14

Photo: Elise Amendola / Associated Press

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<b><center>Jan. 11: Rockets 114, Wizards 107</b>
Despite a couple water delays and a giant disappearing lead, the Rockets found a way to pull out the win in Washington.
<b>Record:</b> 24-14 less

<b><center>Jan. 11: Rockets 114, Wizards 107</b>
Despite a couple water delays and a giant disappearing lead, the Rockets found a way to pull out the win in Washington.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Harry E. Walker / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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<b><center>Jan. 10: Hawks 83, Rockets 80</b>
Houston was held to a season-low 80 points in the embarrassing loss to the Hawks in Atlanta.
<b>Record:</b> 23-14

<b><center>Jan. 10: Hawks 83, Rockets 80</b>
Houston was held to a season-low 80 points in the embarrassing loss to the Hawks in Atlanta.
<b>Record:</b> 23-14

Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

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<b><center>Jan. 8: Rockets 113, Lakers 99</b>
Houston rode a 33-15 third quarter to the win over the Kobe Bryant-less Lakers after Houston had four-days off.
<b>Record:</b> 23-13 less

<b><center>Jan. 8: Rockets 113, Lakers 99</b>
Houston rode a 33-15 third quarter to the win over the Kobe Bryant-less Lakers after Houston had four-days off.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Jan. 3: Rockets 102, Knicks 100</b>
The Rockets knocked the Knicks off for their first win of 2014 thanks to a nice fourth quarter rally.
<b>Record:</b> 22-13

<b><center>Jan. 3: Rockets 102, Knicks 100</b>
The Rockets knocked the Knicks off for their first win of 2014 thanks to a nice fourth quarter rally.
<b>Record:</b> 22-13

<b><center>Dec. 29: Thunder 117, Rockets 86</b>
A tired Houston squad was no match for the well-rested Thunder in OKC on Sunday as the Rockets were held scoreless until halfway through the first quarter.
<b>Record:</b> 21-12 less

<b><center>Dec. 29: Thunder 117, Rockets 86</b>
A tired Houston squad was no match for the well-rested Thunder in OKC on Sunday as the Rockets were held scoreless until halfway through the first ... more

Photo: Alonzo Adams / Associated Press

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<b><center>Dec. 28: Rockets 107, Pelicans 98</b>
Houston's offense rose to the occasion in the fourth quarter to top the Pelicans at Toyota Center.
<b>Record:</b> 21-11

<b><center>Dec. 28: Rockets 107, Pelicans 98</b>
Houston's offense rose to the occasion in the fourth quarter to top the Pelicans at Toyota Center.
<b>Record:</b> 21-11

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Dec. 26: Rockets 100, Grizzlies 92</b>
James Harden tied a franchise record with 22 made free throws as the Rockets rallied in the second half to knock off the Grizzlies.
<b>Record:</b> 20-11 less

<b><center>Dec. 26: Rockets 100, Grizzlies 92</b>
James Harden tied a franchise record with 22 made free throws as the Rockets rallied in the second half to knock off the Grizzlies.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Dec. 25: Rockets 111, Spurs 98</b>
James Harden returned to the lineup from an ankle injury to pace the team with 28 points in the Christmas night win.
<b>Record:</b> 19-11 less

<b><center>Dec. 25: Rockets 111, Spurs 98</b>
James Harden returned to the lineup from an ankle injury to pace the team with 28 points in the Christmas night win.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

<b><center>Dec. 21: Rockets 114, Pistons 97</b>
A shorthanded Rockets team cruised by the Pistons a night after a beatdown from the Pacers. Dwight Howard picked up the slack in James Harden's absence racking up 35 points and 19 rebounds.
<b>Record:</b> 18-10 less

<b><center>Dec. 21: Rockets 114, Pistons 97</b>
A shorthanded Rockets team cruised by the Pistons a night after a beatdown from the Pacers. Dwight Howard picked up the slack in James Harden's absence ... more

<b><center>Dec. 18: Rockets 109, Bulls 94</b>
Kevin McHale returned and the Rockets rode a big second half to victory over the Bulls
<b>Record:</b> 17-9

<b><center>Dec. 18: Rockets 109, Bulls 94</b>
Kevin McHale returned and the Rockets rode a big second half to victory over the Bulls
<b>Record:</b> 17-9

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Dec. 15: Kings 106, Rockets 91</b>
The Rockets ended their three-game road trip with a loss to the Kings. James Harden exited the game with a sprained ankle.
<b>Record:</b> 16-9 less

<b><center>Dec. 15: Kings 106, Rockets 91</b>
The Rockets ended their three-game road trip with a loss to the Kings. James Harden exited the game with a sprained ankle.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Genevieve Ross / Associated Press

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<b><center>Dec. 13: Rockets 116, Warriors 112</b>
Dwight Howard hit a three-pointer and the Rockets took the Warriors by storm in the win on ESPN.
<b>Record:</b> 16-8

<b><center>Dec. 13: Rockets 116, Warriors 112</b>
Dwight Howard hit a three-pointer and the Rockets took the Warriors by storm in the win on ESPN.
<b>Record:</b> 16-8

Photo: Ben Margot / Associated Press

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<b><center>Dec. 12: Trail Blazers 111, Rockets 104</b>
Lamarcus Aldridge was a monster on the glass, snagging 25 rebounds to go along with his 31 points as the Trail Blazers took care of business against the Rockets.
<b>Record:</b> 15-8 less

<b><center>Dec. 12: Trail Blazers 111, Rockets 104</b>
Lamarcus Aldridge was a monster on the glass, snagging 25 rebounds to go along with his 31 points as the Trail Blazers took care of business against ... more

Photo: Greg Wahl-Stephens / Associated Press

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<b><center>Dec. 8: Rockets 98, Magic 88</b>
Three of Houston's players recorded double-doubles, and the Rockets beat one of Dwight Howard's former teams on his birthday.
<b>Record:</b> 15-7 less

<b><center>Dec. 8: Rockets 98, Magic 88</b>
Three of Houston's players recorded double-doubles, and the Rockets beat one of Dwight Howard's former teams on his birthday.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Dec. 6: Rockets 105, Warriors 83</b>
The Rockets' defense shut down a high-powered Warriors offense and were able to snap an ugly two-game losing streak.
<b>Record:</b> 14-7 less

<b><center>Dec. 6: Rockets 105, Warriors 83</b>
The Rockets' defense shut down a high-powered Warriors offense and were able to snap an ugly two-game losing streak.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Dec. 4: Suns 97, Rockets 88</b>
Phoenix came to town and ended the Rockets' six-game home winning streak. Houston had its worst offensive night of the year in the loss.
<b>Record:</b> 13-7 less

<b><center>Dec. 4: Suns 97, Rockets 88</b>
Phoenix came to town and ended the Rockets' six-game home winning streak. Houston had its worst offensive night of the year in the loss.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Dec. 2: Jazz 109, Rockets 103</b>
After a positive win against the Spurs in San Antonio, Houston follows it up with a loss to one of the worst teams in the NBA in Utah.
<b>Record:</b> 13-6 less

<b><center>Dec. 2: Jazz 109, Rockets 103</b>
After a positive win against the Spurs in San Antonio, Houston follows it up with a loss to one of the worst teams in the NBA in Utah.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Rick Bowmer / Associated Press

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<b><center>Nov. 30: Rockets 112, Spurs 106</b>
The Rockets notched their fifth win in row overall and also snapped a 7-game losing streak in San Antonio with the win over the Spurs.
<b>Record:</b> 13-5 less

<b><center>Nov. 30: Rockets 112, Spurs 106</b>
The Rockets notched their fifth win in row overall and also snapped a 7-game losing streak in San Antonio with the win over the Spurs.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

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<b><center>Nov. 29: Rockets 114, Nets 95</b>
Jeremy Lin's 98-consecutive games played streak came to an end in the same game James Harden returned from a three-game hiatus. Chandler Parsons was perfect from the floor including 6-for-6 from three point territory as the Rockets blew past the Nets.
<b>Record:</b> 12-5 less

<b><center>Nov. 29: Rockets 114, Nets 95</b>
Jeremy Lin's 98-consecutive games played streak came to an end in the same game James Harden returned from a three-game hiatus. Chandler Parsons was perfect from ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Nov. 27: Rockets 113, Hawks 84</b>
Houston had no problem beating down the Hawks, even though James Harden was sidelined for the third straight game.
<b>Record:</b> 11-5 less

<b><center>Nov. 27: Rockets 113, Hawks 84</b>
Houston had no problem beating down the Hawks, even though James Harden was sidelined for the third straight game.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Nov. 25: Rockets 93, Grizzlies 86</b>
After scoring 32 points at halftime, the Rockets came alive in the second half thanks to their bench players.
<b>Record:</b> 10-5 less

<b><center>Nov. 25: Rockets 93, Grizzlies 86</b>
After scoring 32 points at halftime, the Rockets came alive in the second half thanks to their bench players.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

<b><center>Nov. 20: Mavericks 123, Rockets 120</b>
The Rockets let a double-digit second half lead slip away in the loss to the Mavericks.
<b>Record:</b> 8-5

<b><center>Nov. 20: Mavericks 123, Rockets 120</b>
The Rockets let a double-digit second half lead slip away in the loss to the Mavericks.
<b>Record:</b> 8-5

Photo: Louis DeLuca / Dallas Morning News

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<b><center>Nov. 19: Rockets 109, Celtics 85</b>
For the second consecutive contest, the Rockets never trailed in their victory.
<b>Record:</b> 8-4

<b><center>Nov. 19: Rockets 109, Celtics 85</b>
For the second consecutive contest, the Rockets never trailed in their victory.
<b>Record:</b> 8-4

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Nov. 16: Rockets 122, Nuggets 111</b>
Seven Rockets scored in double figures and Houston led from beginning to finish in front of a home crowd at Toyota Center.
<b>Record:</b> 7-4 less

<b><center>Nov. 16: Rockets 122, Nuggets 111</b>
Seven Rockets scored in double figures and Houston led from beginning to finish in front of a home crowd at Toyota Center.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Nov. 14: Rockets 109, Knicks 106</b>
James Harden returned to the starting lineup and the Rockets held off a scoring outburst by Carmelo Anthony as Jeremy Lin's return to New York proved to be a victorious one.
<b>Record:</b> 6-4 less

<b><center>Nov. 14: Rockets 109, Knicks 106</b>
James Harden returned to the starting lineup and the Rockets held off a scoring outburst by Carmelo Anthony as Jeremy Lin's return to New York proved to be a ... more

Photo: Frank Franklin II / Associated Press

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<b><center>Nov. 13: 76ers 123, Rockets 117 (OT)</b>
With James Harden on the bench, the Rockets couldn't pull off their second straight OT victory.
<b>Record:</b> 5-4

<b><center>Nov. 13: 76ers 123, Rockets 117 (OT)</b>
With James Harden on the bench, the Rockets couldn't pull off their second straight OT victory.
<b>Record:</b> 5-4

<b><center>Nov. 9: Clippers 107, Rockets 94</b>
The Clippers knocked off the Rockets for the second time in five days as they pulled away in the second half.
<b>Record:</b> 4-3 less

<b><center>Nov. 9: Clippers 107, Rockets 94</b>
The Clippers knocked off the Rockets for the second time in five days as they pulled away in the second half.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Nov. 7: Lakers 99, Rockets 98</b>
Steve Blake hit a game-winning three in the closing seconds as the Rockets' late rally fell just short.
<b>Record:</b> 4-2

<b><center>Nov. 7: Lakers 99, Rockets 98</b>
Steve Blake hit a game-winning three in the closing seconds as the Rockets' late rally fell just short.
<b>Record:</b> 4-2

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Nov. 5: Rockets 116, Trail Blazers 101</b>
Dwight Howard was a force in Portland, recording 29 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Rockets to the win. The Rockets rebounded from an embarrassing loss to the Clippers the night before.
<b>Record:</b> 4-1 less

<b><center>Nov. 5: Rockets 116, Trail Blazers 101</b>
Dwight Howard was a force in Portland, recording 29 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Rockets to the win. The Rockets rebounded from an embarrassing ... more

<b><center>Nov. 2: Rockets 104, Jazz 93</b>
Chandler Parson scored 24 points and snagged 12 rebounds to go along with 6 assists as the Rockets overcame a slow start to knock off the Jazz in Utah.
<b>Record:</b> 3-0 less

<b><center>Nov. 2: Rockets 104, Jazz 93</b>
Chandler Parson scored 24 points and snagged 12 rebounds to go along with 6 assists as the Rockets overcame a slow start to knock off the Jazz in ... more

Photo: Rick Bowmer / Associated Press

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<b><center>Nov. 1: Rockets 113, Mavericks 10583</b>
Dwight Howard had a game-high 16 rebounds and James Harden led all scorers with 34 points as the Rockets took care of the Mavericks.
<b>Record:</b> 2-0 less

<b><center>Nov. 1: Rockets 113, Mavericks 10583</b>
Dwight Howard had a game-high 16 rebounds and James Harden led all scorers with 34 points as the Rockets took care of the Mavericks.
<b>Record:</b> ... more